The Kaiser's Last Kiss

The Kaiser's Last Kiss takes place in 1940 at Huis Doorn, Netherlands, where the exiled German Kaiser Wilhelm II resides as Nazi forces advance into the country. The story centers on Martin Krebbs, a young SS officer assigned to guard the Kaiser, who becomes entangled in a complex situation when he develops feelings for a maid at the residence. The narrative follows Krebbs as he interacts with the Kaiser, learning about the former monarch's perspectives on Germany and the current war. A visit from Heinrich Himmler and various encounters with staff at Huis Doorn force Krebbs to confront realities about the Nazi regime and his own beliefs. Alan Judd crafts a historical fiction that mixes real figures and events with invented characters, setting the story against the backdrop of the German occupation of the Netherlands. The novel creates tension between personal loyalty, duty to country, and moral conscience during a pivotal moment in World War II. The book explores themes of political disillusionment and the conflict between ideology and human connection, examining how individuals navigate their principles when faced with challenging moral choices.

Readers describe this as a quick, engaging read that blends historical fiction with espionage elements. Many note they finished it in one or two sittings. Readers appreciated: - The intimate portrayal of Kaiser Wilhelm II in exile - The balance of historical detail and fictional spy narrative - Clean, straightforward writing style - The atmospheric Dutch setting during Nazi occupation Common criticisms: - Romance subplot feels forced and unrealistic - Some historical inaccuracies - Characters lack depth - Plot moves too quickly in final chapters Ratings: Goodreads: 3.5/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4/5 (200+ ratings) Sample reader comments: "A fascinating glimpse into the Kaiser's final days, though the spy elements strain credibility" - Goodreads reviewer "The historical setting drew me in but the character development fell short" - Amazon reviewer "Strong first half loses momentum in rushed ending" - LibraryThing review

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✦ Kaiser Wilhelm II truly lived in exile at Huis Doorn from 1920 until his death in 1941, maintaining a miniature court and filling the estate with precious artifacts from Imperial Germany. ✦ The novel was adapted into a film titled "The Exception" (2016), starring Christopher Plummer as Kaiser Wilhelm II and Lily James as the British spy. ✦ Author Alan Judd is a former diplomat and served in the British Army, bringing authentic insights to his spy novels and historical fiction works. ✦ The real Huis Doorn remains open today as a museum, displaying the Kaiser's original furnishings and personal belongings exactly as they were during his exile. ✦ Despite being in exile, Kaiser Wilhelm II initially hoped Hitler's rise would restore the monarchy, but later became disillusioned with the Nazi regime, calling Hitler "a complete idiot" in private conversations.